Awards
Prix Goncourt goes to Jean-Baptiste Andrea
Jean-Baptiste Andrea, writer and director from France. The 52-year-old received the French literary prize Prix Goncourt for his novel “Veiller sur elle” (“Take Care of Her”). photo
© Joel Saget/AFP/dpa
In France he is considered the most promising author of his generation. Jean-Baptiste Andrea is no longer unknown in Germany either.
This year’s French literary prize Prix Goncourt goes to Jean-Baptiste Andrea. The 52-year-old received the coveted award for his novel “Veiller sur elle” (German: Take care of her), as the jury announced on Tuesday in Paris. The story is set in Italy in the 20th century during the Fascist era and concerns the relationship between a working-class sculptor and an aristocrat.
It is the fourth book by the writer, director and screenwriter. Andrea’s “My Queen” has been published in German, among other things. He received numerous French and international awards for his debut novel from 2017 Awards. His third book “Of Devils and Saints” also received several awards.
Andrea was born on April 4, 1971 near Paris. He studied politics and economics. He made his first films in English, including “Dead End”. He co-directed the horror film with Fabrice Canepa.
The prestigious award only comes with a symbolic 10 euros, but above all it boosts sales figures. It has been awarded since 1903.
The Prix Renaudot, which was awarded at the same time, went to the French writer Ann Scott for “Les Insolents” (The Insolents). The 58-year-old tells the story of a film composer who leaves Paris to reinvent herself in her mid-forties.